Equality Impact Assessments

As a result of the Equality Act 2010 (Specific Duties) (Scotland) Regulations 2012, the University of Stirling has a duty to consider the equality impact of new and revised policies, procedures and decisions (hereafter defined as 'policies').

The requirement to assess impact means that the University must consider how a policy will impact on the needs of the general equality duty. That means considering how well the policy fulfils each of the three separate elements of the general duty, as follows:

Eliminate unlawful discrimination, harassment and victimisation and other conduct that is prohibited by the Equality Act 2010

Advance equality of opportunity between people who share a relevant protected characteristic and those who do not

Foster good relations between people who share a protected characteristic and those who do not.

In making the assessment, the University must consider relevant evidence. Having considered all of these elements, it must take account of the results of such assessments.

Equality Impact Assessment (EIA) toolkit

The University has developed an equality impact assessment (EIA) toolkit, which can help staff to conduct EIAs. The toolkit comprises:

An initial equality screening form and guidance notes. The purpose of this form is to initially determine whether a policy is relevant to equality, and the level of priority it should be given in terms of undergoing full EIA. EQIA Screening Form and Guidance Notes

A full EIA proforma. This can be used to help carry out full EIAs on those policies which require one. EIA Proforma